1809. Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. the temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: “Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.”72Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: “Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.”73In the New Testament it is called “moderation” or “sobriety.” We ought “to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.”74
To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one’s heart, with all one’s soul and with all one’s efforts; from this it comes about that love is kept whole and uncorrupted (through temperance). No misfortune can disturb it (and this is fortitude). It obeys only (God) (and this is justice), and is careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery (and this is prudence).75
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
144. What happened at Pentecost?
265. What place does Confirmation have in the divine plan of salvation?
361. What is the relationship between the beatitudes and our desire for happiness?
571. What is contemplative prayer?
139. What symbols are used to represent the Holy Spirit?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What does the book of Hosea teach us about God’s unwavering love for his people?
The Story of Moses: How did God choose and prepare Moses to lead his people? (Exodus 1-4)
What does the Bible say about the importance of honesty and integrity in Ecclesiasticus 20:1-11?
What is the message of redemption present in the book of Abdias, specifically in Abdias 1:17?
How was the defeat of the Maccabees at the Battle of Elasa described in 1 Maccabees 6:17-47?
